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Updated: May 20, 2026

Preparation of Rat Skeletal Muscle Homogenates for Nitrate and Nitrite Measurements
Published on: July 29, 2021
Effects of atorvastatin on systemic and renal nitric oxide in healthy man
Frank Holden Mose1, Thomas Larsen, Jesper Noergaard Bech
1Department of Medical Research, Holstebro Hospital, Holstebro, Denmark. frchri@rm.dk
Abstract:
Statin treatment improves endothelial function but the effects of statins on renal nitric oxide have not been clarified. In this crossover study, 26 healthy subjects received atorvastatin 80 mg per day or placebo for 5 days. After 5 days of treatment, L-N(G)-monomethyl arginine caused a similar increase in blood pressure and decrease in urine output and glomerular filtration rate. The decrease in fractional excretion of sodium to L-N(G)-monomethyl arginine was more pronounced after atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin did not change the response to several vasoactive hormones. The results indicate that atorvastatin increase renal nitric oxide, which may explain a part of the pleiotropic effects of statins.
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